Funeral for Linden teen killed during robbery draws more than 1,000 mourners

LINDEN — Amber Wilson died standing her ground and clutching a little piece of God, her pastor told mourners at her funeral today.

As Wilson walked down Hussa Street last week, the Rev. Pam Jones said, she was carrying a small wristlet, a gift from Jones. When at least one armed man pointed a gun at Wilson and a friend, the 18-year-old Linden woman confronted her assailant, prosecutors said, holding tight to her purse.

"Even though it cost her life, she was willing to do what was right," Jones told a full First Baptist Church in Linden. "Someone tried to rob her. She said, ‘No way.’ She said, ‘My pastor gave me this.’ She did not want them to strip her of her dignity."

More than 1,000 friends, family and community members gathered to say goodbye to Wilson, a recent Linden High School graduate who was a cheerleader and dancer. Her white coffin, topped with a pink floral arrangement, stood in front of black and orange Linden Varsity Letters and colorful wreaths, some in the shape of butterflies.

Wilson was a gifted student who aspired to become a police officer and had been accepted to St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. She is survived by her father, a brother and sister and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Today, friends said Wilson’s late mother was a source of inspiration for her. Whenever she saw a butterfly, they said, she considered it a sign from her mom.

Nicole Lennon touched upon that sentiment in a poem she read to the congregation about her friend.

Funeral for slain Linden teen draws over 1,000 mournersAmber Wilson was laid to rest on Wednesday, over a week after she was shot and killed just blocks from her home. Police say the 18-year-old recent Linden High School graduate was the victim of an apparent robbery. Her funeral at First Baptist Church drew over 1,000 mourners including family, friends and teammates. (Video by Michael Monday/The Star-Ledger)

"He laid me beside my mother, so I wouldn’t be alone. So please don’t cry for me, because I’ve made it home."

The first dozen pews on one side of the church were filled with members of the Linden cheerleading squad who lost their former co-captain, football players who called Wilson one of their bubbliest fans, and friends who said she was a constant source of support and guidance.

Memorials to Wilson are not likely to end with her funeral. The cheerleaders are selling "Amber Way, Tiger Pride" bracelets, the dance team is organizing a tribute concert and some of the football players say they’ll hold a powder-puff game in Wilson’s honor.

"She always used to say if she could have her way she’d be on the field," friend, and former Linden football player Winston Wright, 18, said. "She was like that, so outgoing, full of energy."

The tears and celebration of Wilson’s life were mixed with anger.

Friends and clergy members questioned how violence could escalate to the point where a gunman would shoot and kill a young woman so easily.

As authorities continue to pursue leads, they are asking for the public’s help in finding Wilson’s killer.

"There’s a lot of chatter on the street about this case," Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow said. "A lot of rumors, but the reality is that no one has come forward to give us any concrete assistance. So we’re asking the public to help. We know that there are people who know who did this and we’re asking them to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (908) 654-TIPS or the prosecutor’s office at (908) 527-4500. All tips will be kept confidential and a $5,000 reward is being offered in the case.

At the end of the funeral, Jones challenged the congregation to honor Wilson’s life by coming together to end senseless violence. Then she had asked all the young adults whose lives had been touched by Wilson to stand.

One by one they did, and then adults joined in, as the church filled with swelling organ music and applause for the slain woman.